Nu metal may be the most divisive subgenre of metal music. And while we usually don’t associate it with virtuosic guitar skills, there are certainly instrument masters within the subgenre that are worthy of our praise. In particular, we’re looking at Limp Bizkit’s Wes Borland, who, apparently, has a brand new instrument built for him by PRS.
In a recent interview with PRS, Wes was asked about this, as they call it, “guitar-bass hybrid” with the musician offering:
“The new four-string is probably the most amazing instrument I’ve ever played. Having a locking tremolo system has very much expanded what I’m attempting with that whole thing. That idea. To have the classic A A D G or F# F# B E tuning that I’ve been using for so long paired with all of the whammy bar riffing I do is on another level for me. The guitar is way past prototype in my opinion. I think it’s finally reached the form it was always wanting to be in my head. I couldn’t be happier with it. It actually did end up on the album last minute, but not in a way that showed off its capabilities. I used it on a melodic EBow lead on the bridge of the INXS cover Don’t Change.”
You can check out the instrument in the image below (photo via PRS).
During the chat, Wes also discussed his collaboration with Danny Elfman. As plenty of news outlets reported already, he has officially joined the composer’s live band, with the first live show taking place on Friday, April 15 over at the Coachella festival. Asked about “what has it been like immersing yourself into Danny’s characteristically eccentric music,” he replied:
“Robin Finck, the guitarist from Nine Inch Nails, has been a friend of mine for a long time and he played on Danny’s new solo album ‘Big Mess’. He called me one night a few months ago and told me he was unable to perform in the band for Coachella and asked if I was available to take his place to which I replied: 100% YES. I’ve been a huge fan of Danny’s since I was 15 years old, so for me, this is the opportunity of a lifetime and an absolute dream come true. It is EXACTLY where I want to be. I have been told that I am myself a maker of eccentric music, so being in Danny’s world feels like I’m right at home. I love the new album, I love the Boingo songs, I get to play The Simpsons. It’s the best.”
Limp Bizkit is continuing their tour on April 28 over in Tampa, Florida. The North American run goes up until May 31, with a wrap-up show in Ontario, Canada. You can get more details on Limp Bizkit’s official website here.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons, PRS
